What are protective effects of anti-ricin A-chain aptamer?
Ricin, a lectin from the castor bean plant Ricinus communis is considered one of the most potent plant toxins. Ricin poisoning can cause severe tissue damage and inflammation and can result in death. view more (2008-12-29)
NIST researchers 'all aglow' over new test of toxin strength
A new National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assay using a "glow or no glow" technique may soon help the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defend the nation against a spectrum of biological weapons that could be used in a terrorist attack. view more (2009-06-18)
Shield against assassin`s poison
Just a trace of ricin on the sharpened tip of an umbrella was enough to kill the Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, after an infamous attack on London`s Waterloo Bridge in 1978. Now a vaccine against this lethal toxin could soon be available - and it may be needed. "A big stash of ricin was found in the caves of Afghanistan," says Ellen Vitetta of... view more... (2002-09-11)
Ricin's Deadly Action Revealed by Glowing Probes
A new chemical probe can rapidly detect ricin, a deadly poison with no known antidote that is feared to be a potential weapon for terrorists and cannot quickly be identified with currently available tests. view more (2008-08-07)
Human trial proves ricin vaccine safe, induces neutralizing antibodies; further tests planned
cientists have completed the first human clinical trial of a recombinant vaccine for the deadly toxin ricin-a potential bioterror threat - and the results indicate the vaccine is safe and effective in eliciting ricin-neutralizing antibodies. view more (2006-01-31)
Green industrial lubricant developed
A team of researchers from the University of Huelva has developed an environmentally-friendly lubricating grease based on ricin oil and cellulose derivatives, according to the journal Green Chemistry. view more (2009-07-13)
Artificial membranes can reveal biological weapons
Today there is a great need for portable equipment that can quickly detect chemical and biological weapons such as nerve gases, viruses, bacteria, and toxins. In a new dissertation the Swedish researcher Inga Gustafsson shows that artificial membranes can be used for this purpose in future biosensors. Biosensors have already... view more... (2004-01-16)
The Biochemist February 2002 issue; THEME: Pretty poisonous
Introduction - The darker end of the spectrum The 'pretty poisonous' entities that are the subject of this issue of The Biochemist have a much darker side - they might be subject to misuse by those with malevolent intent. Toxins and bioregulators have certainly been considered and developed as weapons by some. In the late 20th Century,... view more... (2002-02-11)
Argonne researchers develop method that aims to stabilize antibodies
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have developed a systematic method to improve the stability of antibodies. view more (2009-09-04)
BBSRC announces its new ROPA awards
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has announced its 1998 round of Realising Our Potential Awards (ROPAs). BBSRC is making 40 awards under the updated scheme in which awards can be made across all areas of research in each Research Council. The full list of BBSRC awards appears on pp10-11 of the current issue of... view more... (1998-10-12)
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